Cardinals elect American as 267th Pope
American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Catholic Church made history on Thursday by electing American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as its 267th pope, who took the name Pope Leo XIV.
This marks the first time an American has been chosen to lead the 1.4-billion-member Church.
The announcement came after white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, signaling that the conclave of 133 cardinals had reached the required two-thirds majority vote. The election occurred on the second day of the conclave, following the death of Pope Francis.
Born in Chicago and holding dual American and Peruvian citizenship, the 69-year-old cardinal previously served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was seen as a favored candidate of the late Pope Francis and represents a continuation of his vision for a “missionary church” focused on forging connections and embracing all people.
The faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as the new pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first address, invoking peace and honoring Pope Francis. His election was greeted with congratulations from global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama.
Pope Leo XIV inherits leadership amid complex global challenges and divisions within the Church, tasked with uniting Catholics worldwide and guiding the Church through this pivotal moment in history.
